Jakarta is a hustling and bustling city, so it’s no wonder it’s known as the “city that never sleeps.” But when it comes to fasting months like Ramadan, you might be surprised by some of the things you’ll see.
For example, during fasting hours, a lot of restaurants will shut their doors or hang a curtain to show their respect for people who do Ramadan fasting. At night, you’ll find food stalls and restaurants opening up late in the afternoon or just after sunset, and you’ll find a crowd of people on the sides of the street looking for something to eat before breakfast or ending the spiritual discipline that day (iftar).
Indonesia is home to the world’s largest Muslim population, so this is something you expect to see in this holy month every year. If you’re looking to make the most out of the activities to celebrate Ramadan in Jakarta, here are some things to do during the ninth month and the most sacred month in the Islamic calendar.
Do the “Ngabuburit” Trip
Waiting time, also known as ngabuburit, is a big deal for Muslims in Indonesia during Ramadan. It’s part of the fasting moments that most Muslims are most looking forward to, and it’s full of activities. One of the activities that you can do during ngabuburit is wandering Bendungan Hilir (Benhil) Street. This street is also known as the “Takjil Market” or “Light Iftar Snack Market” because it opens up as the sun goes down during the ninth month of the Islamic year.
The street vendors will be selling traditional Indonesian snacks like Risoles, which are fried Indonesian spring rolls, and Kolak, which is a type of fruit compote. You can also find meals like fried whole chicken at this market for your fast breaking. Don’t worry about the price because all the food items are very affordable.
Explore and Join the Iftar at Istiqlal
It’s the biggest mosque in Southeast Asia, seating up to 120,000 people. It was opened to the public on the 22nd of February 1978, by the first President of Indonesia, Soekarno.
It’s right next to an old cathedral called Cathedral Catholic Church, and they share their parking with the congregation every Sunday in their big garden. But this mosque is fancier, with a 45-meter diameter dome and high minarets, so it’s a bit more luxurious.
During Ramadan in Jakarta, the staff will give you free iftar food. You can also enjoy some light snacks and hang out with the locals; if you’re a Muslim, you can do the Maghrib prayer there as well as your form of self-reflection.
Have a Taraweeh Prayer at Cut Meutia Mosque
If you’re a Muslim and looking for a place to do the Taraweeh, the evening prayer after the iftar, come to Cut Meutia Mosque. It’s right in the middle of Jakarta, and it’s a great place to worship. It’s got a lot of history, from when it was a Dutch office Plus, it’s got some of the most unique qibla directions around. It can fit up to 3,000 people, and it’s also a great place to go on your way home from work.
During Ramadan, the special prayer only holds 11 rakat and 7 minutes of recitation after Isya, the night prayer, but it’s still a great place to pray.
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